2012 bmw 3-series Model Overview

The 3 Series is a benchmark for both luxury and performance in its class, and BMW seems to outdo itself with each new generation of the car. Now entering its sixth generation, the 2012 BMW 3 Series gets a new design for the sedan body style, which arrives February 2012. Redesigned coupe and convertible models will follow, but could be badged as 4 Series models as part of a move by BMW to expand its range and further differentiate the 3 Series sedan from the coupe. For the 2012 model year though, coupe and convertible models from the previous generation will carry over and fill the gap until the new ones arrive.

In the past, the BMW 3 Series balanced good looks, excellent handling, luxurious features, and usable interior space. The sixth-generation model will likely continue in that vein, offering more aggressive front end styling, a larger cabin, and improved tech features. For power, the 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan receives the same 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that powers the 528i and Z3 sDrive28i as a base engine in the 328i. The 335i sedan gets the turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 that served in the previous model, still producing an even 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The driving experience is enhanced by the available ConnectedDrive system, which can interface with your smart phone through Bluetooth, allowing you to control apps like Pandora streaming radio directly through the system (with the BMW Apps option specified). Three appearance packages are available, each lending a distinctive look to the 3 Series sedan.

The sedan is all new for 2012, receiving a new base engine, new transmission, and revised styling. The 328i sedan loses the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter I-6, replacing it with a more powerful and efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 producing 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission is dropped for the sedan, replaced by an eight-speed automatic unit similar to that found in the 5 Series. All sedan models get start-stop technology. A six-speed manual is standard on all sedan models, while the six-speed automatic is now available at no extra cost for coupe and convertible models. The optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sees a price reduction in the 335is coupe and convertible. A hybrid version of the 3 Series sedan, called the ActiveHybrid 3, will arrive by fall 2012. Combining the turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 with an electric motor inside the eight-speed transmission, the ActiveHybrid 3 will produce a combined 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, and will achieve a claimed 12.5 percent better fuel economy compared to a 335i. The 335d isn’t offered in 2012, but a diesel-powered replacement is likely coming soon.

The sedan’s all-new front fascia waves goodbye to convention, replacing the understated good looks of the previous model with a sleeker, more aggressive front end. Many styling cues have trickled down from the 5 and 7 Series, including the rear taillight shape, and subtly raked roofline. Styling cues from past BMWs are prevalent in the 3 Series sedan’s exterior, melding some of the German automaker’s classic aesthetic features with the brand’s current design language. The result is a completely modern yet familiar look. The company’s well-known dual kidney grilles are front and center, while the task of illuminating the road falls upon the flanking sets of dual headlights, which now stretch all the way to the grille. Three distinct options exist for exterior styling. Sport Line blacks out exterior trim and the kidney grille slats, while Luxury Line adds chrome accents throughout the 3 Series’ exterior. The Modern Line specification uses brushed aluminum accents to achieve a look that BMW describes as avant-garde.

The 2012 3 Series sedan also gets an updated interior, gaining a touch more elegance in the process. Legroom, knee room, and headroom have all increased with the car’s exterior dimensions, and wood trim is used heavily with the Luxury Line specification. A next-gen head-up display is available, and can relay information regarding vehicle speed, cruise control settings, and directions from the navigation directly in the driver’s line of sight. The navigation screen hump in the center of the previous model’s dash has been replaced by a recess in the middle, filled with a wide, high-resolution iDrive display, which is reminiscent of a flat-screen TV. BMW’s ConnectedDrive infotainment system is available, and with the BMW Apps option equipped, iOS-based apps like Pandora and Facebook can run directly on the system.

BMW is slowly phasing out its naturally aspirated inline-six engines, which we’ve loved in the past for their remarkable smoothness and brawny torque delivery. That engine is replaced in the sedan by a turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 producing 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque–a gain of 10 hp and 60 lb-ft over the outgoing I-6. The turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 is still offered in the 335i and 335is, producing 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

Available transmissions for the sedan include a standard six-speed manual and available eight-speed automatic. Both transmissions receive start-stop capability, helping the new 3 Series save fuel. The 3 Series has historically been known for its exceptional handling, and we expect the 2012 3 Series sedan to continue that tradition. In past models, we’ve praised the twin-turbo straight-six for feeling more like a high-displacement, naturally aspirated mill, lacking the lag you might normally find in another turbocharged car.

The 2012 3 Series gets dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags with passenger seat sensor, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and automatic crash response system as standard equipment. All safety features are controlled by BMW’s Advanced Safety System. An ABS system along with BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system comes standard. A rear-view camera is available with the Park Distance Control system, and for the first time, the 3 Series gets BMW’s Top View camera as an option. This system uses cameras on the mirrors to create a composite birds-eye view of the car, which aids in parking. BMW’s radar-based Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning Systems are also available.

2012 BMW 3-Series Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$34,900

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$22,250

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

8988

Recall ID#13V454000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Consequence

A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Units Affected

76191

Recall ID#12V176000 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HEAD RESTRAINT MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE DOWN SLIGHTLY IF IT WAS ADJUSTED TO THE FULLY EXTENDED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT LIMIT OF 25MM IN THE HIGHEST POSITION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202A,"HEAD RESTRAINTS."

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A CLAMP TO THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Units Affected

7600

Recall ID#15V520000 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Consequence

If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Units Affected

7727

Recall ID#16V071000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE INFLATOR MODULE

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2012 BMW 3-Series News and Reviews

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